We’re proud to introduce Sydney du Plessis, the newest member of the Compagniesdrift family and our passionate Tasting Room Assistant.

Born and raised in Eersteriver, Cape Town, Sydney is the youngest of five siblings and brings a warm, family-oriented energy to every interaction. His journey into the wine world began with a bold career pivot – trading in his Management Assistant studies at Boland College to pursue a more dynamic and rewarding path in wine and tourism.

In 2018, Sydney enrolled at the Pinotage Youth Development Academy (PYDA) in Stellenbosch, where he completed their highly regarded Wine & Tourism Programme. That same year, he also obtained his Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 1 qualification, laying a strong foundation for what has since become a vibrant and growing career in the South African wine industry.

Over the past six years, Sydney has worked with some of Stellenbosch’s most respected wine estates:

  • Kleine Zalze Wine Estate (Nov 2018 – Nov 2021) as Wine Ambassador, guiding tastings and sharing the story of the wines with guests from around the world.

  • Jordan Wine Estate (Nov 2021 – Aug 2023), where he deepened his industry knowledge and honed his hospitality skills in a fast-paced, premium tasting room environment.

  • Rustenburg Wines (Aug 2023 – Mar 2025), where he continued to grow in customer service, wine education, and client interaction.

In March 2025, Sydney joined Compagniesdrift as our Tasting Room Assistant – a role where his experience, enthusiasm, and genuine love of wine shine daily. He conducts tastings, assists in direct sales to clients, supports events, and helps manage our wine and farm shop with energy and professionalism.

“The wine world is always changing, and I’m constantly learning,” says Sydney. “From grape to glass, there’s something magical about the process. I enjoy developing my palate and sharing that knowledge with others.”

Outside of work, Sydney is a passionate football fan, enjoys wine tasting to expand his sensory skills, loves music, and finds peace in nature through walks and jogs in the mountains.

With a growing knowledge base and a heartfelt love for wine, Sydney brings so much more than skill to our team – he brings heart. We’re delighted to have him on this journey with us.